gctc offers students new high-tech, sustainable training center

When the Gateway Community and Technical College opens the doors of its new Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness for classes this fall, students will get the benefit of new training space that is both high-tech and energy efficient. The new facility at the GCTC Boone Campus in Florence houses special laboratory classrooms devoted to leading edge manufacturing processes, mechatronics, robotics, simulators, electronics, and industrial maintenance. 

Some of the key sustainable features of the new Center designed by Omni Architects include the use of low-e insulated, fritted glass and exterior sun shades on the south façade of the building to reduce cooling demands and generous use of light wells throughout the building bring natural light into interior spaces. Building systems incorporated by Paladin, Inc. offer a number of energy saving strategies including energy recovery from lab exhaust systems, time of day scheduling of HVAC equipment and lighting zones, and use of high-efficient, direct-drive air distribution fans with variable speed control. The site has been master planned in partnership with M2D Design Group for future buildings as the Boone Campus becomes the primary campus for related projects.

The Center includes an integrated factory-like advanced manufacturing instructional area, and also includes a library, learning center, faculty and staff offices, and GCTC's administrative office suite. Gathering places for informal student learning are incorporated throughout the building.

See more photos of the new GCTC Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness in our portfolio.